as in scams
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
the explanation was so plausible that I never suspected it was all a con to make off with my car
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in studies
to commit to memory
usually candidates con their entire campaign speech, right down to the jokes they supposedly ad-lib
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reviews
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)
seemed to be conning his face for any sign of uncertainty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hustles
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
a fly-by-night operator who had conned hundreds of would-be homeowners out of their hard-earned money
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in tricks
to cause to believe what is untrue
tried to con me into thinking that he had actually won the lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cons
Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
These 2025 Best of Beauty Award winners offer all the overprotective pros without any aggravating cons.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Then there’s the complexity of trying to weigh the pros and cons of something so vastly powerful.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Discuss the pros and cons with a pediatrician or health care provider, as well as a professional piercer, and then decide what is best for your child and for your family.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
Comic-cons are one of my favorite things to check out.
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Before signing with Phoenix, Bradbury explained to the 6-foot-8 forward the pros and cons of his decision.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Catfish-style, Cecilie works with a private investigator, Brianne Joseph, to help uncover elaborate cons, support victims, and hold serial scammers accountable.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
The cons aren't just in Michigan.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Just keep in mind that premium service often comes at a higher cost, which is where weighing the pros and cons becomes important.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
These 2025 Best of Beauty Award winners offer all the overprotective pros without any aggravating cons.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Then there’s the complexity of trying to weigh the pros and cons of something so vastly powerful.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Discuss the pros and cons with a pediatrician or health care provider, as well as a professional piercer, and then decide what is best for your child and for your family.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
Comic-cons are one of my favorite things to check out.
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Before signing with Phoenix, Bradbury explained to the 6-foot-8 forward the pros and cons of his decision.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Catfish-style, Cecilie works with a private investigator, Brianne Joseph, to help uncover elaborate cons, support victims, and hold serial scammers accountable.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
The cons aren't just in Michigan.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cons. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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